Family camping made simple, for people just getting started

What do I need for my first family camping trip?

Start with shelter, sleep and food: a tent that fits your family, a sleeping bag and a pad or cot for each person, a stove or a cooking plan, water, a light for each adult and a first aid kit. Add clothes for the weather and something for the kids to do. Our free checklist sorts all of it.

What size tent do I need for a family of 4, 5 or 6?

Pick a tent rated for two more people than you have. A family of 4 usually needs a 6-person tent, and a family of 5 or 6 an 8 to 10-person tent. The rating assumes sleeping bags shoulder to shoulder with no room for gear. Check the height and the number of doors too.

How do I keep a tent cool in summer, or warm in winter?

To stay cool, pitch in shade, open the vents and use a battery fan; a tent with an AC port lets you run a portable air conditioner at a powered site. To stay warm, use a sleeping bag rated below the night's low and an insulated pad. Use only a heater made for tents, and add a carbon monoxide alarm.

Cot or air mattress: which is better for families?

A cot keeps you off cold ground and packs flat, but it takes floor space. An air mattress is softer and fits small tents, but it needs a pump, can leak and feels cold without insulation. For cold nights, add an insulated pad to either one.

How do I keep ice in a cooler longer?

Pre-chill the cooler, then pack it with block ice or frozen water bottles instead of loose cubes. Keep it closed, in the shade, and don't drain the cold water until the end. A second cooler for drinks means the food cooler stays shut.

How much does it cost to start camping with kids?

You can keep the first trip cheap by borrowing or renting the big items. Most families start with a tent, sleeping bags, pads and a stove, and add gear over time. Campsite fees vary a lot by state and season. Our guides list picks by price range, so you can start small.